- The Liberia Immigration Service (LIS) says it will begin constructing housing units for officers deployed in rural Liberia, starting in the western region, to ease long-standing accommodation problems for frontline personnel.
The plan was announced at the close of a day-long regional development meeting held Monday, Jan. 19, in Bomi County and chaired by LIS Director of Operations Danny Sartee. The meeting brought together senior LIS officers and regional border security commanders to discuss operational challenges, officer welfare, and cross-border coordination.
Speaking to the Rural Reporters News Network after the meeting, Sartee said the engagement was intended to strengthen cooperation among immigration units and give national leadership a clearer understanding of the conditions officers face in remote postings.
He said LIS has acquired land for the projects, with deeds processed, and the properties surveyed and registered under the institution's authority. Sartee added that construction is expected to begin soon, with western Liberia serving as the first phase.
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"These housing projects are intended to address years of hardship endured by our officers, especially those serving in difficult terrains far from urban centers," Sartee said.
The meeting also raised concerns about the conduct of some immigration officers at border points and checkpoints.
Alexander Koromo, a former governor of the Sierra Leonean community in Liberia, alleged that Sierra Leonean nationals continue to face harassment at checkpoints across the country. He said some individuals have been detained over documentation issues and described the situation as troubling.
Koromo called on Sierra Leone's prime minister to engage the Liberian government to address the reported abuses.
Sartee said LIS has received similar complaints and warned officers assigned at checkpoints and border posts to uphold professional standards when dealing with citizens and foreign nationals.
He said any officer found guilty of intimidation, harassment, or extortion will face disciplinary action in keeping with the law. Sartee also urged the public to report suspected misconduct directly to the Office of the Commissioner General of the Liberia Immigration Service.
The meeting ended with LIS leadership promising renewed efforts to improve officer welfare, strengthen border security coordination, and build public trust in the immigration system.
